[FresnoDA]

Ping....)))) Public pressure has increased awareness of this story. It may prove difficult for those involved to keep the lid on the many details.....IMHO

[FresnoDA]

IN MEMORY OF DANIELLE VAN DAM

Video: Low / High
Get Media Player

( 03-01-2002 ) - Brenda and Damon van Dam released an official statement Thursday night:

"With today's confirmation that our beloved Danielle will never again be physically present in our lives, we are experiencing the depths of sadness, loss and grief which only parents who have lost children under similar circumstances can fully comprehend."

The family also says: "Love has conquered evil, in our community. This is Danielle's legacy and we couldn't be more proud. As we were praying, this morning, with the incredible volunteer searchers who actually found our daughter, our personal prayer was that god would share our little angel with everyone who helped to find her."

The statement ends with: "Danielle was a very special, beautiful, loving little girl. We miss her desperately but find comfort in knowing that she is now safe again and at peace. For Danielle, our family, friends and neighbors, we thank you for unifying us into such a giving community. We will be forever grateful to all of you."

Earlier Thursday, Danielle's parents were at the search center in Poway to thank the volunteers who worked so to find their daughter. It was their first public appearance since receiving word about the discovery in Dehesa Wednesday afternoon.

"It was hope for the best and expect the worst," said volunteer Jill Ward. "I'm kind of not surprised. After three weeks of searching for her and finding blood on Westerfield’s sweater and in his vehicle, it didn’t surprise me. But I still had hope."

The web site set up to help in the search for Danielle has been changed into a memorial page for the Sabre Springs girl, who was kidnapped from her home 27 days ago.

*The video accompanying this story, edited by Danielle’s aunt, is a photo essay of the 7-year-olds life, set to the song, “Angel,” by Sarah McLaughlin.

[Palladin]

One of the tabloids is reporting today that Westerfield told police he and Brenda had been having an affair in his home and in his RV. Granted, this is a gossip sheet. But could they print something so cruel without a reliable source in the SDPD?

[Jen]

Let's go FReepers!
It's FReepathon time!

---

Free Republic is funded solely by donations from readers.
Donations and official correspondence should be mailed to:
Free Republic, LLC, PO Box 9771, Fresno, CA 93794

Support Free Republic by secure credit card.

Send PayPal direct to JimRob@psnw.com

Donations are not tax deductible.

---

[onyx]

You've done (and you're doing) a marvelous job posting this story. I live in San Diego and listen to and call Rick Roberts daily. Monday will be the huge news day, provided that lawyer Feldman is unsuccessful in his attempt to keep the police info under seal.

[newzjunkey]

Haven't we had ENOUGH of this topic in "Breaking News"? I'm half ready to organize a freep of the March 16th public memorial service scheduled for a public beach. I've definitely hit saturation on this topic. UGH.

There was another child here in San Diego, missing since Wednesday, recovered today alive. I hadn't heard a THING about it before this afternoon. Go figure.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Closure. I'm really beginning to detest that word. How can one ever truly get over the death of a child?

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for the heads up!

[Incorrigible]

[Freedom2specul8]

FYI... :)